New Delhi: Congress has intensified its efforts to rope in YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) in Andhra Pradesh to gather the numbers to form government at the centre. Though formal talks have not yet started, unofficial communications are on, reveal party sources.
Asked about YSR chief Jaganmohan Reddy’s backing, a Congress leader said ‘nothing is impossible’.
Party president Rahul Gandhi is open to an alliance, he added.
Jagan’s recent ‘forgiving Congress’ comment is seen as his readiness for a tie-up. Since he might align with the party most likely to form a government, it will be crucial how many seats Congress and its political front, UPA, manage to win.
If UPA can win 180-190 seats, it can ally with YSRCP after seeking support of SP-BSP, Trinamool and TDP to reach the magic number 272.
Congress will convey the message seeking its (YSRCP) backing if numbers do not disappoint, said sources.
The party might employ AICC general secretary in charge of Andhra Oommen Chandy and other top leaders for talks.
Meanwhile, Congress’s proximity with TDP’s Chandra Babu Naidu might create hurdles. Naidu’s statement not claiming stake to prime ministership might help ease tensions between them and in turn a possible alliance.
Promising special status for Andhra Pradesh may help to woo Jagan.
Rao’s race
However, Jagan’s proximity to Telangana Chief Minister and TRS leader K Chandrasekhar Rao is unsettling for Congress. Rao is ready for a bargain with 30 seats between the two parties. Even though he has declared party’s backing for anyone who might agree to his demands, Congress feels Rao might finally go with the BJP. If he takes Jagan too along, opposition might fall short of absolute majority.
TRS sources say Rao has kept open chances of allying with Congress. Though Sharad Pawar (NCP) and HD Devegowda (JDS) are helping build the bridge with Rao, Congress is sceptical of his intentions.
